By Kim Sue-young
Staff Reporter
President-elect Lee Myung-bak asked all the political parties Tuesday to cooperate in passing major bills including one on government reorganization.
During his first visit to the National Assembly since he won the Dec. 19 presidential election, he also stressed the need to achieve better politics in Korea.
Floor leaders of five parties promised that they will help him manage state affairs well.
He asked Assembly Speaker Lim Chae-jung for support in smoothly proceeding with the confirmation hearings of Cabinet ministers to be appointed soon.
``I have yet to report how to reorganize government offices but I am considering tuning its functions,'' Lee told the floor leaders. ``When the transition team completes its reorganization plan, I will inform the Assembly of it first.''
He added that he will make efforts to ensure his government can fully actualize its ability through efficient coordination with the legislature.
Floor leaders attending the meeting include Reps. Kim Hyo-seuk of the United New Democratic Party (UNDP); Ahn Sang-so of the Grand National Party (GNP); Chun Young-se of the Democratic Labor Party (DLP); Choi In-kee of the Democratic Party (DP) and Kim Nak-sung of the People First Party (PFP).
The UNDP floor leader promised to give him full support saying his party will not play the role of an opposition party that hinders him and his administration from performing state affairs properly.
He pointed out that the transition committee is constructing half-done policies and plans on bread-and-butter issues.
``Some of them need to be discussed at the Assembly and others should be revised after the committee listens to public opinion. But nowadays, the team is seemingly churning them out.''
As for Kim's remarks, President-elect Lee blamed a media frenzy saying that many things reported have not been confirmed.
He added his committee is, in substance, setting policies in a very cautious manner.
Lee also underlined that he will not play party politics.
``I will present a new cooperation model between the administration and the Assembly to develop the economy, unite society and advance the country toward becoming an advanced nation.''
The President-elect plans to have frequent meetings and strengthen ties with Assemblymen, his spokesman said.
``He thinks respect for the Assembly is the same as respect for the people. He has stressed strong cooperation with parliament for advanced politics,'' the spokesman, GNP Rep. Joo Ho-young said.
Political observers speculated that his comparatively humble attitude is attributable to the current status of his party.
The opposition GNP holds 128 seats in the 299-member unicameral legislature, while the UNDP has 141 seats.
The elections to pick Assemblymen, which may turn the tide in his favor, will take place on April 9.